RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Feb. 8 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: * * * Hannah Melton: ATU Student Leader of the Month * Hannah Melton's leadership experiences at Arkansas Tech University have taught her that what some view as failure is actually an opportunity to learn and grow. "Anytime I was in a role of leadership, my biggest thing was leading by example and leading with empathy," said Melton. "People make mistakes. Things don't always go as planned. It's not about   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-450) on the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act (H.R. 4386). The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on Jan. 14, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose of the Legislation The purpose of H.R. 4386 is to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to clarify entrance privileges for vehicles with respect to the America the Beautiful interagency pass. Background and Need for Legislation  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-453) on a bill (H.R. 5910) that authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian tribes. The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on Jan. 14, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose of the Legislation The purpose of H.R. 5910 is to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian Tribes. Background and N  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-449) on a bill (H.R. 681), which aims to amend the Act of Aug. 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act", to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah. The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on Jan. 14, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose of the Legislation The purpose of H.R. 681  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-451) on the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act (H.R. 3903). The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on Jan. 14, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION The purpose of H.R. 3903 is to exchange non-Federal land held by the Chugach Alaska Corporation for certain Federal Land in the Chugach Region, and for other purposes. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLA  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-452) on the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act (H.R. 4467). The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on Jan. 14, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION The purpose of H.R. 4467 is to modify the boundary of the Vicksburg National Military Park in the State of Mississippi, and for other purposes. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION Vicksburg N  more